Resolution on fees for redissemination of government information (from the Subcommittee on Government Information)

RESOLUTION ON FEES FOR REDISSEMINATION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
(91.07.03 #77.3)

WHEREAS, Access to government information is a public right that should not be restricted by format or ability to pay; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W1)

WHEREAS, Government information in all formats should be disseminated in a manner that promotes its usefulness to the American people; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W2)

WHEREAS, The cost of collecting, organizing, storing, disseminating, and preserving government information is supported with public funds, and the American people should not be required to pay an additional fee for redissemination of the information; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W3)

WHEREAS, The American Library Association has continuously discouraged the imposition of fees that are a barrier to equitable access to government information; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W4)

WHEREAS, Title 44 U.S.C. 1911 requires that federal information be made available "for the free use of the general public" through the Federal Depository Library Program; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W5)

WHEREAS, HR 534 would repeal the requirement that the Secretary of Transportation collect a fee or charge for recreational vessels, replacing that revenue by charging the public a fee for the redissemination of government information; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W6)

WHEREAS, HR 534 would require a royalty-like fee for secondary use of government information, thereby violating accepted policies that government information should be in the public domain; and (91.07.03 #77.3 W7)

WHEREAS, Section 2(d)(1)(B) of HR 534, in its present form, also violates the principles of the Copyright Act and the Freedom of Information Act; now, therefore, be it (91.07.03 #77.3 W8)

RESOLVED, That the American Library Association urge the United States Congress to delete Section 2(d)(1)(B) of HR 534 which requires royalty-like fees for secondary distribution; and, therefore, be it further (91.07.03 #77.3 R1)

RESOLVED, That the American Library Association encourage members of the United States Congress to reaffirm their commitment to the equitable dissemination of government information in all formats to the American people. (91.07.03 #77.3 R2)